Male adolescents’ attitude towards justifying wife beating: a study on 20 low and lower-middle-income countries

Background This study aimed to examine the prevalence of male adolescents’ attitudes towards wife-beating and to explore the associations between sociodemographic factors and the acceptance of wife-beating in 20 low and lower-middle-income countries. Method This study utilized a secondary data analysis from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) across 20 lower—and lower-middle-income countries. To understand male adolescents’ attitudes towards justifying wife beatings, we examined factors such as residence, wealth index, education level, and household size. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 17 software, applying weighting methods from the DHS Program to ensure the results accurately represented the target population. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between variables. Result Among the 26,794 individuals surveyed globally, 4.84% believed that wife beating could be justified. In Guinea, the prevalence stood at 13.42%, whereas Zimbabwe reported a figure of 1.56% in sub-Saharan Africa. Similarly, in Timor-Leste, located in South and Southeast Asia, 16.11% of people justified wife beating, while Myanmar had a mere 2.31% expressing such views. Adolescents residing in rural areas were more likely to endorse wife beating compared to their urban counterparts, who had significantly lower odds (AOR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07–0.67). Likewise, higher levels of education played a crucial role in diminishing the likelihood of endorsing wife beating; in Guinea, adolescents with secondary education or higher were substantially less likely to support such attitudes (AOR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.18–0.58). Conclusion The research findings shed light on how young men view violence against women, revealing differences in attitudes across regions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, there are diverse perspectives, with Guinea having a higher prevalence that requires immediate efforts. The concerning prevalence in Jordan highlights the importance of promoting gender equality in West Asia. These findings emphasize the need for interventions that shift beliefs and encourage tangible behavioral changes. Community workshops and skill-building programs can help translate awareness into action. It is crucial to address these attitudes to combat violence effectively.